Date published: 2025-9-11

1-800-457-3801

SCBT Portrait Logo
Seach Input

Camptothecin (CAS 7689-03-4)

5.0(2)
Write a reviewAsk a question

See product citations (21)

Alternate Names:
(S)-(+)-Camptothecin
Application:
Camptothecin is a reversible Mitochondrial Topo I inhibitor shown to exhibit antitumor activity
CAS Number:
7689-03-4
Purity:
≥98%
Molecular Weight:
348.4
Molecular Formula:
C20H16N2O4
Supplemental Information:
This is classified as a Dangerous Good for transport and may be subject to additional shipping charges.
For Research Use Only. Not Intended for Diagnostic or Therapeutic Use.
* Refer to Certificate of Analysis for lot specific data.

QUICK LINKS

Camptothecin is an alkaloid compound originally found in the Chinese tree Camptotheca acuminata. In research applications, camptothecin is valued for its ability to inhibit DNA topoisomerase I, an enzyme critical for DNA replication and transcription. By stabilizing the transient break in the double-stranded DNA that topoisomerase I creates, camptothecin induces DNA damage and ultimately cell death, which is particularly relevant for studies on cell proliferation and viability. This characteristic has made it a focal point in the study of mechanisms that cancer cells use to proliferate and survive, as well as in the exploration of potential strategies for inducing controlled cell death. Its role in inducing apoptosis through the DNA damage response pathway further contributes to understanding the intricate balance between cell survival and death. Research with camptothecin also extends to the field of molecular biology, providing insights into the dynamics of DNA replication and the cellular response to genotoxic stress.


Camptothecin (CAS 7689-03-4) References

  1. Body distribution in mice of intravenously injected camptothecin solid lipid nanoparticles and targeting effect on brain.  |  Yang, SC., et al. 1999. J Control Release. 59: 299-307. PMID: 10332062
  2. Distribution of camptothecin after delivery as a liposome aerosol or following intramuscular injection in mice.  |  Koshkina, NV., et al. 1999. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 44: 187-92. PMID: 10453719
  3. Camptothecin suppresses nitric oxide biosynthesis in RAW 264.7 macrophages.  |  Chiou, WF., et al. 2001. Life Sci. 69: 625-35. PMID: 11476184
  4. Camptothecin and its analogues: a review on their chemotherapeutic potential.  |  Sriram, D., et al. 2005. Nat Prod Res. 19: 393-412. PMID: 15938148
  5. Irreversible trapping of the DNA-topoisomerase I covalent complex. Affinity labeling of the camptothecin binding site.  |  Hertzberg, RP., et al. 1990. J Biol Chem. 265: 19287-95. PMID: 2172250
  6. Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of the camptothecin analogue CPT-11 in the mouse.  |  Kaneda, N., et al. 1990. Cancer Res. 50: 1715-20. PMID: 2306725
  7. Sustainable production of camptothecin from an Alternaria sp. isolated from Nothapodytes nimmoniana.  |  Mohinudeen, IAHK., et al. 2021. Sci Rep. 11: 1478. PMID: 33446714
  8. Studies on the antitumor activity, mechanism of action, and cell cycle effects of camptothecin.  |  Gallo, RC., et al. 1971. J Natl Cancer Inst. 46: 789-95. PMID: 4995657
  9. Differential stabilization of eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I cleavable complexes by camptothecin derivatives.  |  Tanizawa, A., et al. 1995. Biochemistry. 34: 7200-6. PMID: 7766631
  10. The current status of camptothecin analogues as antitumor agents.  |  Slichenmyer, WJ., et al. 1993. J Natl Cancer Inst. 85: 271-91. PMID: 8381186
  11. The anti-cancer drug camptothecin inhibits elongation but stimulates initiation of RNA polymerase II transcription.  |  Ljungman, M. and Hanawalt, PC. 1996. Carcinogenesis. 17: 31-5. PMID: 8565133
  12. Chemotherapeutic agent CPT-11 induces the new expression of the apoptosis initiator to the cytoplasm.  |  Suzuki, A. and Kato, M. 1996. Exp Cell Res. 227: 154-9. PMID: 8806462
  13. Camptothecin-induced apoptosis in p53-null human leukemia HL60 cells and their isolated nuclei: effects of the protease inhibitors Z-VAD-fmk and dichloroisocoumarin suggest an involvement of both caspases and serine proteases.  |  Shimizu, T. and Pommier, Y. 1997. Leukemia. 11: 1238-44. PMID: 9264376
  14. Mechanism of action of eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I and drugs targeted to the enzyme.  |  Pommier, Y., et al. 1998. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1400: 83-105. PMID: 9748515

Ordering Information

Product NameCatalog #UNITPriceQtyFAVORITES

Camptothecin, 50 mg

sc-200871
50 mg
$57.00

Camptothecin, 100 mg

sc-200871B
100 mg
$92.00

Camptothecin, 250 mg

sc-200871A
250 mg
$182.00

What is the appearance of the compound?

Asked by: two2igm05
Thank you for your question. The compound, sc-200871, is provided as a light yellow crystalline powder. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Technical Service department by calling 800-457-3801 option 2, emailing scbt@scbt.com, or using the Live Chat function on our website.
Answered by: Tech Service 8
Date published: 2017-01-18

What is the solubility of this product?

Asked by: hawkeye11
Thank you for your question. The solubility is as follows: Hot Acetic acid: 20 mg/ml Acetic acid at room temperature: 2 mg/ml DMSO: 10 mg/ml Methanol: 40 mg/ml Please contact Technical Service if you have further questions about this chemical.
Answered by: Tech Service 9
Date published: 2020-02-04
  • y_2025, m_8, d_27, h_5CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.42
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_2
  • loc_en_US, sid_200871, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=LAST_APPROVED_ANSWER_SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_scbt
  • bvseo_sdk, java_sdk, bvseo-4.0.0
  • CLOUD, getContent, 102ms
  • QUESTIONS, PRODUCT
Rated 5 out of 5 by from greatIt was easy to induce apoptosis by using this drug for a short time.
Date published: 2016-11-01
Rated 5 out of 5 by from SeilerSeiler, et. al. (PubMed ID 17515603) was able to show that DNA replication in HT29 cells was successfully and quickly inhibited after a short dose of camptothecin. It was also noted that it took several hours for recovery post removal of the drug. -SCBT Publication Review
Date published: 2015-04-12
  • y_2025, m_8, d_27, h_5
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvrr, vn_bulk_3.0.42
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasreviews, tv_0, tr_2
  • loc_en_US, sid_200871, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_scbt
  • bvseo_sdk, java_sdk, bvseo-4.0.0
  • CLOUD, getReviews, 16ms
  • REVIEWS, PRODUCT
Camptothecin is rated 5.0 out of 5 by 2.
  • y_2025, m_8, d_27, h_5
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvrr, vn_bulk_3.0.42
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasreviews, tv_0, tr_2
  • loc_en_US, sid_200871, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_scbt
  • bvseo_sdk, java_sdk, bvseo-4.0.0
  • CLOUD, getAggregateRating, 103ms
  • REVIEWS, PRODUCT